Assumption of Directorship Ceremony

A Department of War Assumption of Directorship is a formal ceremony conducted in accordance with long-standing military tradition. The event publicly affirms the lawful transfer of authority and responsibility to the newly appointed director, reinforcing continuity of leadership, accountability and confidence across the organization. Rooted in customs dating back centuries, the ceremony symbolizes the trust placed in the incoming director and underscores the enduring mission of the Defense Intelligence Agency, independent of any one individual. Through prescribed honors, official orders and remarks, the ceremony reflects the professionalism, discipline and institutional integrity that embody the Department of War and the Intelligence Community.

Bradley D. Hansell Bradley D. Hansell Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security
Lieutenant General James H. Adams

Welcome DIA's 25th Director
Lieutenant General James H. Adams, USMC

The Defense Intelligence Agency proudly welcomes James H. Adams as its 25th Director. A Marine Corps aviator with more than three decades of distinguished service, Lt. Gen. Adams brings deep operational, strategic and resource-management experience to the Agency. Commissioned in 1991 and designated a naval aviator in 1993, he flew the AH-1W Super Cobra on multiple deployments in support of Marine Expeditionary Units and combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, accumulating more than 3,300 flight hours — over 300 of which were in combat.

Lt. Gen. Adams has commanded at the squadron level and led Marine Corps aviation training and tactics at the enterprise level. His senior staff and general officer assignments span Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps and the Joint Staff, including key roles in programs, resources and capability development. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in computer science and the Joint Advanced Warfighting School. Lt. Gen. Adams combines operational credibility with strategic and analytical expertise. His leadership and breadth of experience strengthen DIA's mission to deliver timely, objective and actionable intelligence in support of national security decision makers.

View Full Biography →

Assumption of Directorship Ceremony

Friday, February 20, 2026 • 1 p.m. EST